Housing Rights

Shelter is not only a basic human need, it is also critical to people’s ability to pursue and attain economic stability.

We work to remove barriers that limit people’s ability to access safe, affordable, healthy housing that everyone deserves. We educate policymakers so they can pass more effective policies. We litigate and win victories for tenants. We collaborate with community members and partner organizations to identify solutions and amplify the voices of those most impacted. And we inform the public at large so everyone can play a part in ensuring affordable housing for all.

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Our Insights

A year ago, Illinois passed a law making it a civil rights violation to deny housing based on an individual's source of income. Housing justice attorney Joerika Stitt looks at the law's impact.

Background screening practices block many tenants from safe and affordable housing.

Since everyone needs a place to live, ensuring that people with records have access to stable housing is not merely equitable, but also a matter of common sense.

Source of income discrimination disproportionately affects people of color, women, and people with disabilities.

This can never happen again.

Now is the time to push for innovative solutions and reimagine the eviction system’s role in perpetuating poverty.

Our Impact

Unfair background screening practices create barriers to housing.

Shriver Center participates in White House meeting with tenant leaders, advocates, and providers.

We must remove barriers that limit people's ability to make those choices and to address the legacy of racism that is embedded in our country's housing policies.

Shriver Center & Legal Impact Network members lend voices to stop this proposed rule to upend the longstanding legal standard of disparate impact.

Resources

Feb 2023

Eviction filings hamper tenants' ability to find a new home, regardless of the outcome of the case.

Jun 2021

Tenants deserve to be protected under consumer protection laws.

Aug 2020

This Spanish-language webinar covers general elements of fair housing law

Jul 2020

A collection of readings, research, and tools to help guide an understanding of structural racism.

Jun 2020

The Fight for Environmental Justice in Federally Assisted Housing

Jun 2020

Shriver Center advocates share updates on their COVID-19 response work and impact.

Mar 2020

Links to information and useful resources to aid communities seeking support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jul 2018

The policy of aldermanic prerogative has hindered development of affordable housing and racial integration in the City of Chicago

Mar 2017

Crime free rental housing and nuisance property ordinances often have very costly consequences for tenant families, landlords, and the whole community

Feb 2015

Overly restrictive housing admissions policies create barriers to housing for individuals with criminal records.

Attorneys and Specialists

Eric Sirota
Eric Sirota
Eric Sirota
Director of Housing Justice
he/him

312.767.9273

Joerika Stitt
Joerika Stitt
Joerika Stitt
Staff Attorney, Housing Justice
she/her

312.368.1098

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